News
Five Things We Learned Thursday at the PGA Championship
I write to you from Buffalo, New York. We are a city that has been in the national news this week for a horrific reason. Our work needs to begin in earnest, and needs to continue, to ensure that that this history has no chance of repeating itself. I welcome the opportunity to think about a major men’s golf championship this week, although my thoughts are never far from the victims and their families.
Southern Hills is the latest, reborn club to host a major championship. The new breed of course doctors are true students of the classic elements of proper golf course architecture. Gil Hanse and his cavemen did a fine job returning the glory of Perry Maxwell to this Tulsa treasure. Oklahoma had itself a somewhat-steamy Thursday, with the temperature peaking at 90 degrees around four o’clock. By that time, Rory McIlroy had completed his morning rounds, and held a one-shot advantage as the afternoon squad hit the tee decks. The two-time PGA champion will feature in our Five Things We Learned for today, but we need to get to four others first.
Justin Harding launches it for eagle! ?@JustinHarding60 | #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/iiPcXp4RcL
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 19, 2022
5. How badly do I crave a major?
The list begins with Will Zalatoris (-4) and continues to Cameron Smith (-2) and Xander Schauffele (-2) and a host of others. The PGA Championship has an element of chill that other majors lack, and that might be why golfers tend to break through with confidence for a first major title. At the other three majors, first-time winners are often the unwitting beneficiaries of the misfortune of others. Not so at the professionals’ major. Lurking are Matt Kuchar (-3) and Abraham Ancer (-3). There will be plenty of break-through storylines to follow this week at Southern Hills.
Will Zalatoris carded a 66 in Round 1 of the #PGAChamp. Check out the highlights from his round.@Rolex pic.twitter.com/QZDdRUd7Wd
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 19, 2022
4. What is it? Or him? Or what? I don’t know?
#TigerWoods #WyndhamChampionship2015 One of the most enjoyable quotes from the great cat focuses on Tom Hoge, currently seated at four-under par, one shot back of the leader. Hoge hails from North Dakota, and won his first Tour title at Pebble Beach, after years of grinding. He was so far, under-the-radar that Tiger Woods had no idea if he was a sandwich or a fellow touring professional. Hoge is precisely the type of golfer (think Shaun Micheel or Wayne Grady, or even Walter Burkemo) who wins a PGA Championship
3. Speaking of Tiger Woods…
It’s all a part of the process, doncha know? Tiger Woods teed off on the second nine, and stood two-under par through his first five holes. He made one more birdie coming home, but the rest was as forgettable as it comes. Tiny cuts, in the form of bogies, came seven times over those remaining 13 holes, and Woods found himself at four-over par at day’s end, nine shots off the lead at 74. We know that he can bounce back from such a malaise. If he can get back to even par on Friday evening, he should make the cut. Woods has good vibes at Southern Hills, having won the PGA here in 2007. He’ll need to draw on that mojo on Friday, else we’ll see him next in Brookline.
Birdie number two on the day for Tiger.@TigerWoods | #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/5JHRcdAn2N
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 19, 2022
2. The guy we like
He’s only seven holes into his round, as I type these words, but I think that Collin Morikawa will rise up and win a second PGA in three years. There’s no glitz in his life to distract him. Other than impending nuptials with his sweetheart, Morikawa is all about the golf. Through seven holes, he had posted seven pars. Once the birdie dam breaks, the putts will begin to drop from everywhere. Check back with us in a few hours to find out how accurate this prediction was! (Editor’s note: Not a great prediction)
Collin Morikawa lets it fly. ?@collin_morikawa | #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/teXXBhnY6u
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 19, 2022
1. Rory closes with birdie for 65
When we close the laptop on this week’s storylines, the 24-feet putt that Rory McIlroy made on green number nine (his eighteenth) on Thursday might be the one that we remember. The winner at Kiawah and Valhalla during the 2010s showed well on a course that resembles neither. McIlroy had consecutive birdies from holes 12 through 15, and added another pair at 2 and 5, to reach six-under par. On his 15th hole of the day, McIlroy stumbled to a bogey four, and repeated the recipe to holes later at the par-three eighth. Leaking oil, McIlroy knocked his approach to nine above the hole, then read the putt perfectly. He stroked it perfectly, too. As the orb tumbled down, McIlroy was in with 65 for a one-shot advantage.
Strong finish for Rory. ?@McIlroyRory | #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/ZVnnBEskW6
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 19, 2022
News
Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
News
Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
News
GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo

We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover

If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing

When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes

Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief

A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel

Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes

Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker

Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls

The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
-
Equipment6 days agoMemorial Tournament Tour Report: Rory McIlroy, Cameron Young switch up drivers, and more
-
News2 weeks agoRussell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge
-
Equipment3 days agoBest irons 2026: Best irons overall, most forgiving irons, and more
-
Whats in the Bag4 days agoJ.T. Poston’s winning WITB: 2026 Memorial Tournament
-
Equipment1 week agoDetails on Jason Day’s latest prototype Avoda iron setup
-
Equipment3 weeks agoCJ Cup Byron Nelson Tour Report: Koepka and Kim’s newest putters finally get hot
-
News2 weeks agoCharles Schwab Challenge Tour Report: MacIntyre, Åberg and Spaun all switch putters, TaylorMade launches new Spider
-
Equipment2 weeks agoDetails on J.J. Spaun’s surprise putter switch
